Category: hard rock

alternative, DIY, EDM, Electronic, hard rock, metal

Jake Abramson’s ‘Caution Tape’ Is Bruising, Militaristic Electronic Music

Jake Abramson’s ‘Caution Tape’ is some hard-hitting, rock-oriented electronic music from this solo artist. There’s an overwhelming, deeply industrial sense of darkness on here that’s served well by the track’s rock format and computerized instrumentation. Abramson’s tense, smoldering vocals paint a very clear lyrical picture. Under that, the rumbling synths give the piece a militaristic, march-like aesthetic. This is furthered by the lumbering, often percussive … Continue reading Jake Abramson’s ‘Caution Tape’ Is Bruising, Militaristic Electronic Music

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alternative, Blues, Emo, hard rock, metal, post hardcore, Rock

Dusty Tucker’s ‘Twenty Whatever’ Is Slick, Expansive and Emotive Hard Rock

Dusty Tucker’s ‘Twenty Whatever’ is some slick, emotive hard rock with some clear punk influences. The band describes their first full-length, The North Stone, as, “A western tale told in twelve tracks with heroes and villains and musical movements back to back.” There’s a lot going on here. Something about the track, probably the hyperbolic guitars and dramatic, higher register lead vocals, give the track a progressive … Continue reading Dusty Tucker’s ‘Twenty Whatever’ Is Slick, Expansive and Emotive Hard Rock

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Americana, Blues, hard rock, Rock, rock n' roll

‘Times New Woman’ by The Swell Fellas Is Expansive, Technical Psychedelic Rock

‘Times New Woman’ by The Swell Fellas is some classic rock-facing, broad and deeply technical psychedelic music. They say this is, “the seventh track off of [the band’s] self-released debut LP The Big Grand Entrance.” The group describes it as, “a simple and trance-inducing approach from a normally more complex band.” The stoner cues are definitely pretty strong on here, and in addition to that, … Continue reading ‘Times New Woman’ by The Swell Fellas Is Expansive, Technical Psychedelic Rock

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alternative, Emo, hard rock, Indie Rock, Pop Punk, punk, Rock

‘Five On It’ by Spielbergs Is Top-Notch Norwegian Alt Rock

‘Five On It’ by Spielbergs is some crunchy, straightforward rock music out of Norway. These guys were “named in Stereogum’s Most Anticipated Albums of 2019 feature as well as in The Guardian’s Best New Music for 2019.” Their “debut album This Is Not The End comes out on Feb 1st.” The band brings a kind, nostalgic buzz to a cleanly composed alt rock track. Over … Continue reading ‘Five On It’ by Spielbergs Is Top-Notch Norwegian Alt Rock

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alternative, goth, hard rock, punk, Rock

‘Be One of Us’ by Night’s Edge Is Some New School Gothic Punk

‘Be One of Us’ by Night’s Edge is dramatic punk rock with a clear gothic flair. “With a sound just as distinct as its look,” these guys claim to be “bringing originality back to rock music.” Fusing “metal, goth and alternative,” the band “uses harmonies and keys to add deep atmosphere to its driving grooves.” The group has a soaring, at times orchestral sound that … Continue reading ‘Be One of Us’ by Night’s Edge Is Some New School Gothic Punk

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Acoustic Music, Blues, Country, hard rock, metal, rock n' roll

The Native Howl’s ‘Mercy’ Is Potent Hard Rock-Oriented Bluegrass

The Native Howl’s ‘Mercy’ is some emotionally potent, mostly acoustic bluegrass that exists in a hard rock context. The band says this “song takes their sound to a whole new level while still holding true to the stylings of their 2016 EP Thrash Grass.” This is a very well-rounded track. It hits hard without sacrificing its twang. There’s a deep sense of groove on here which … Continue reading The Native Howl’s ‘Mercy’ Is Potent Hard Rock-Oriented Bluegrass

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alternative, Folk Punk, hard rock, Hardcore Punk, punk, Rock, rock n' roll

‘Vulgar’ by Horns Is Groovy Punk with a Classic Rock-Style Approch

‘Vulgar’ by Horns in some groovy, classic rock-inflected punk out of the Dominican Republic. These guys do a really good job of bringing a forward, crusty approach to punk without sacrificing clarity or compositional complexity. For a listener who grew up with classic rock, a lot of this track will sound eerily familiar. It seems like in certain regards these guys are reworking and remixing … Continue reading ‘Vulgar’ by Horns Is Groovy Punk with a Classic Rock-Style Approch

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alternative, hard rock, Indie Rock, Post-Punk, Rock

Music From a Birdcage’s ‘The Haircut Song’ Is Janky Lo-Fi Prog

Music From a Birdcage’s ‘The Haircut Song’ is janky progressive rock with a lo-fi vibe. “Music from a Birdcage is the solo project of veteran Bay Area musician Matt Deems,” this artist says, “who has contributed to a number of musical endeavors over the years,” including “as a guitarist and songwriter for the respected San Francisco post-rock group Form and Fate.” This track, “written and recorded … Continue reading Music From a Birdcage’s ‘The Haircut Song’ Is Janky Lo-Fi Prog

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alternative, Emo, goth, hard rock, Rock

SVCRED’s ‘Nevermore’ Is a Tight, Clean Take on Goth Rock

SVCRED’s ‘Nevermore’ is a slick, dramatic take on hard rock with a dark, decidedly Gothic approach. These guys say they have “become a regular fixture of the Melbourne metal scene,” and that their “unique blend of groove laden riffs and gothic ambience continues to captivate their audiences.” They say this track, which is “inspired in part by Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Raven’… is about the … Continue reading SVCRED’s ‘Nevermore’ Is a Tight, Clean Take on Goth Rock

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alternative, hard rock, Rock, rock n' roll, Surf

‘The Mirage’ by The Missionaries Is Some Classic, Rhythm-Heavy Rock

‘The Mirage’ by The Missionaries is groovy, rhythm-oriented rock music with a tight throwback vibe. “Inspired by the glam/psychedelic sound of Foxygen and the bright-eyed surf pop of the Beach Boys,” these NorCal natives say they “deliver a sound that is both eclectic and catchy.” There’s a lot of cool stuff happening on here. The bass guitar and the drums form a nice, quick and … Continue reading ‘The Mirage’ by The Missionaries Is Some Classic, Rhythm-Heavy Rock

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